Josh, the 1.76 will hold OK, but don't waste your time with a 1.82. You will be picking up pieces. Just put another gearset in it, if you are interested I know where you can get an aftermarket 1.80 BTE set for around $800. Stock case is fine, I just pulled out an 830 HP small block and will be putting in another that will make in the neighborhood of 950 HP. Mild steel chassis won't be legal for NHRA....